Wireless Communication System for Airborne Refueling Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airborne refueling systems face challenges in safely powering and communicating with sensors and actuators due to the hazardous fuel environment, which can lead to electrical discharges and fires, especially in boom systems and the lack of suitable data transmission in probe-and-drogue systems.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system using dual transceivers with redundant channels and energy storage modules, such as ultra-capacitors, to transmit and receive data from sensors and actuators without traditional wires, ensuring data validation and power supply without the risk of electrical discharges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wired systems are used to power and communicate with sensors and actuators, then reliable power supply and data transmission are achieved, but the risk of electrical discharges and fires increases in hazardous fuel environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wired power transmission system with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The wireless power transmission unit transmits power signals through the air to the mobile equipment, eliminating physical wire connections that could spark or overheat in hazardous fuel environments, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable power supply and fire risk reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate wireless communication channel as a mediator between the fixed control system and mobile equipment. This wireless intermediary transmits both power and data signals without physical contact, avoiding the harmful electrical discharges that could occur with traditional wired connections in explosive atmospheres
2Object-affected harmful factors
If isolated wires are used for safety in boom systems, then fire risk is reduced, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical system of isolated fuel-resistant wires and guiding structures with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power and communication system. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized wired infrastructure while maintaining safety in hazardous environments, thereby reducing system complexity without compromising fire risk mitigation
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless power transmission unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power transmission, data communication, and safety protection against electrical discharges. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate complex wired systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety standards
3Ease of operation
If sensors and actuators are placed in the drogue for POD systems, then refuelling control capability is improved, but the ability to transmit power and data through the flexible hose becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection through the flexible hose with a wireless electromagnetic field-based transmission system. This allows sensors and actuators to be effectively controlled in the drogue without requiring physical wire passages through the flexible hose, thereby maintaining data transmission reliability while enabling full refuelling control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system acts as an intermediary that bridges the fixed tanker aircraft and the mobile drogue without requiring physical connections through the flexible hose. This intermediary enables reliable data transmission and control capability enhancement while avoiding the limitations of wired connections through flexible tubing
4Reliability
If redundant communication channels are implemented for data validation, then data reliability is improved, but communication system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication functions (power transmission, data communication, and validation) into an integrated wireless communication system. The dual transceiver architecture allows simultaneous transmission and reception on different frequencies, enabling redundant data validation without requiring separate physical communication channels, thus improving reliability while managing system complexity through functional integration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures safe and reliable communication and power supply for critical airborne operations by eliminating the need for hazardous wires, reducing complexity, and preventing data loss or corruption, suitable for DAL A operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first wireless communication unit configured to establish a wireless communication channel with a second wireless communication unit... wherein the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit are respectively located in a fixed part and a mobile part of the refuelling system
Implementation Method 2
The power and communication system comprises a first double transceiver (100) and a second double transceiver (100').
Data Source
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AI summary
Communication system for equipment in airborne operations comprising: at least one first double transceiver (100) and at least one second double transceiver (100'), wherein the at least one first double transceiver (100) is configured to send data to the at least one second double transceiver (100') in two redundant main channels and wherein the data to be sent through each redundant main channel is first compared with each other so as to ensure that the data sent through a first main channel is the same data sent through a second main channel.